Area Development News Desk

12/12/2012

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amFOG Farms LLC, a gourmet mushroom producer, will invest $1 million to locate its headquarters and construct a state-of-the-art production facility on US Highway 17 near Hardeeville, South Carolina.

“Jasper County provides an excellent location for our operation because of the easy access to I-95, I-16, and I-26 and proximity to our growing markets,” said amFOG General Manager Chris Sywassink. “The company chose the location because of the business climate here in South Carolina. The local, regional and state leaders value the jobs created by small companies like ours, and they are focused on the innovation and application of technology in today’s agribusiness. amFOG is poised for growth, and Jasper County will be a great partner for our company.”

The company will produce gourmet mushrooms, including Oyster, Shiitake and Miatake, in a controlled indoor growing environment utilizing amFOG’s patent and trademark-pending process, which is expected to produce 1,500 pounds of mushrooms per week or 78,000 pounds during the first year of operation in 2013.

“We work hard every day to show businesses that South Carolina is the right place for them to do business. It’s always exciting when a firm chooses to put down roots in one of our state’s rural areas. We greatly appreciate amFOG Farms’ decision to invest $1 million and create new jobs in Hardeeville,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

“Agribusiness continues to be a wealth creator in South Carolina. At Commerce, we’ve worked for the past year to bring in more agriculture-related projects, and announcements from companies like amFOG Farms show we are helping that sector grow. Every one of these jobs will have an impact in Jasper County,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. Information on whether the company is eligible for investment credits was not immediately available.

“We are impressed by amFOG’s innovative process and strategy, and we appreciate the jobs they are bringing to our community,” said Marty Sauls, vice chairman of Jasper County Council and a member of the SouthernCarolina Alliance Board of Directors. “Small companies like amFOG Farms are the backbone of this country, and we want to provide the most pro-business home in the Southeast for operations like this.”